Hill Country Tamils Still Live as Modern-Day Bonded Labourers: Radhakrishnan

23-May-2026

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Hill Country People’s Front leader and Nuwara Eliya District MP V. Radhakrishnan stated that plantation Tamils continue to live as modern-day bonded labourers even in the digital age and urged the Government to fully implement the Hatton Declaration to improve their living standards.

Speaking during the adjournment debate on Hill Country land rights in Parliament on 21 May, he said:

“In this digital age, Hill Country people still live like modern-day bonded labourers. They do not even have proper addresses. Even today, they are identified by ‘Line Room No. 6’ or ‘Line Room No. 2’. Such conditions cannot be found elsewhere in the world.

This Government speaks extensively about the Hill Country community. The National People’s Power has at least begun referring to plantation people as Hill Country Tamils, which is welcome. But how much longer are they expected to remain in line rooms?

If line rooms are to be removed, a proper solution must be implemented. The agreements with plantation companies are due to expire within another 15 years, and there are indications the plantation sector itself may decline. The Government must protect the industry.

The Hatton Declaration must be implemented in full. Many issues can then be resolved. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake must fulfil the promises made during visits to Hatton and Talawakelle,” he said.